Chapter 13 Game
Wang Zhen has been very troubled recently. The reason is very simple: he has not yet become the top eunuch.
At the beginning, he said goodbye to his wife, took the initiative to enter the palace after being castrated, and waited for a long time before finally getting a chance to get close to Princess Shunde. He was able to serve the former prince and now the emperor. Over the years, he can be said to have been diligent and dedicated.
But since the emperor ascended the throne, he has never had the intention of replacing Jin Ying.
Wang Zhen believed that his knowledge was no less than Jin Ying's, and he treated the emperor much more wholeheartedly than Jin Ying. However, the emperor was still young and was now subject to the control of Empress Dowager Zhang. The appointment of officials had to be approved by Empress Dowager Zhang, let alone such a crucial position as the eunuch in charge of writing in the Imperial Household Department.
Wang Zhen was reluctant to ask the emperor for help directly, fearing that Empress Dowager Zhang might accidentally hear the news.
Wang Zhen thought about it and found only one way, which was to find a way to throw some dirty water on Jin Ying.
Although it is possible to fabricate incidents, Wang Zhen's actions were not entirely a frame-up. Jin Ying, like Wang Jin, had his own residence outside the palace. The number of servants in Jin Ying's home was no less than that of the palace maids around the emperor. These servants often relied on Jin Ying's name to extort bribes from some shops, and it was said that they had also bribed officials for profit.
Wang Zhen's actions could just bring up this matter. There were many censors outside who were easy to instigate. As long as they knew that Jin Ying's servants were soliciting and giving bribes, there would be a huge uproar, and Jin Ying would be unable to stay in his position as a eunuch in the Imperial Household Department.
In fact, he had originally intended to bring this matter to the attention of Princess Shunde. After all, Princess Shunde was willing to meddle in the affairs of the people of Cizhou, not to mention the affairs of the capital. But thinking that his current situation was closely related to Princess Shunde, his little tricks might not be able to be hidden from Princess Shunde.
What's more, Wang Zhen had already figured out something about Zhu Yuhuan's character. Once he touched Zhu Yuhuan's bottom line, Zhu Yuhuan would definitely kill him with a smile.
What's even more terrifying is that apart from Empress Dowager Cihui and Princess Yongqing, Wang Zhen has no idea what Zhu Yuhuan's bottom line is. He doesn't know what he will do to anger Zhu Yuhuan. Instead of doing this, it's better not to provoke Zhu Yuhuan. At least he won't anger her and bring disaster to himself.
Strangely enough, this matter went as smoothly as he expected. Apart from the few officials who had accepted his bribes, there were even other censors who came forward to investigate Jin Ying.
"Wang Dayong?"
Wang Zhen came to his senses and saw the cautious look of the young eunuch. He felt that he had regained some of his dignity as a senior official. He cleared his throat and asked, "What's wrong?"
The young eunuch smiled apologetically and said, "Old Lady Zhang's birthday banquet is coming up in a few days. The folding fan that Princess Shunde gave to His Majesty is missing. His Majesty wanted to take the bamboo leaf one, but none of the servants could find it. His Majesty said only the Grand Eunuch knew where it was."
Wang Zhen was even more upset. As he walked out, he said, "You guys still don't serve the emperor attentively enough. How come you don't even know where you put the things the princess sent? If the emperor wasn't so kind and generous, you would have been punished long ago."
"Yes, yes, what the great master said is..."
Empress Dowager Zhang originally did not want to celebrate her birthday, but Zhu Yuhuan specifically told Zhu Qizhen to do so. Therefore, Zhu Qizhen celebrated Empress Dowager Zhang's birthday as usual on the grounds that his father celebrated her birthday every year when he was alive.
Seeing her grandson being so filial to her, Empress Dowager Zhang's grief over losing her son was largely dispelled.
However, Empress Dowager Zhang's birthday had not yet arrived, but the memorial submitted by the censors to impeach Jin Ying had already reached her. At first, they only reported that Jin Ying's servants bullied merchants and monopolized the market. Unexpectedly, someone later directly reported that Jin Ying's servants bribed officials. The Empress Dowager Zhang's good mood immediately disappeared when she heard about the bribery of officials.
While condoning the misdeeds of a household servant was one thing, as seen in the case of Yang Shiqi's son Yang Ji, Empress Dowager Zhang could tolerate it. After all, Jin Ying had served as the eunuch in charge of writing official documents for many years, his abilities were unquestionable, and a slight loss of moral integrity was not a major issue. However, what Empress Dowager Zhang could not tolerate most was the bribery of officials by eunuchs in the Imperial Household Department. Although this was committed by one of Jin Ying's household servants, it was not necessarily at the behest of Jin Ying.
Zhu Zhanji expanded the powers of the Imperial Household Department to ensure that the cabinet's power would not threaten the emperor, and that even a young and indolent emperor would not affect the supremacy and decisive role of imperial power. Now, Jin Ying, the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department, is colluding with officials. Isn't this just an attempt to manipulate the emperor?
Empress Dowager Zhang, who had been somewhat hesitant at first, immediately perked up and lost interest in celebrating her birthday. She ordered the Imperial Guards, through Zhu Qizhen, to thoroughly investigate the case, apparently wanting to take this opportunity to get to the bottom of it.
If Jin Ying had not served the royal family for many years and had not been promoted by Zhu Gaochi, Empress Dowager Zhang would probably have killed Jin Ying long ago.
Zhu Yuhuan had heard a lot of rumors about these things. Xu Gong had also told Zhu Yuhuan privately that it was true that Jin Ying's servants had bribed people, but Jin Ying himself did not have any direct contact with the officials who accepted bribes. The specific outcome depended entirely on the wishes of Empress Dowager Zhang, and could be either light or heavy.
This result is somewhat similar to the case of Yang Ji, except that it does not involve the bottom line of Empress Dowager Zhang, so it can be let go. However, the case of Jin Ying is obviously not that simple.
Jin Ying also realized this. When she learned that Zhu Yuhuan would go to Xu's medical clinic when he left the palace, she immediately seized the opportunity to visit him in person.
This was the first time Zhu Yuhuan saw Jin Ying outside the palace. He looked no different from an ordinary man in appearance, wearing a Taoist robe and a flowing scarf on his head, except that he had no beard. Jin Ying looked elegant and easy-going, even a little kind.
The backyard of the Xu family clinic was temporarily requisitioned. Xu Wangzhi and his elder brother Xu Wenzhi were guarding the front. Huai En moved a chair for Zhu Yuhuan to sit down, and Han Guilan brought a teacup to Zhu Yuhuan.
Jin Ying stood in front of Zhu Yuhuan and couldn't help but secretly observe Zhu Yuhuan's expression. She saw her sitting with her eyes lowered, scraping off the foam on the tea soup with a porcelain lid. Her eyes were not on herself at all, but it made Jin Ying feel like she was being stared at, as if her every word and action could not escape the other person's eyes.
He had served Taizong, Renzong and Xuanzong for more than ten years, and was very clear about this kind of pressure. Even the current emperor did not have such a temperament.
Zhu Yuhuan took a sip and smiled at Jin Ying, saying, "This tea was brought to me from Sichuan. It's popular there to drink tea from covered bowls. Da Gong, why don't you try some too?" She looked at Huai En and said, "Huai En, show Da Gong a seat."
"yes."
Just as Jin Ying was about to decline, Zhu Yuhuan continued, "Da Eunuch is still the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department, so it's not impolite for him to sit down."
Jin Ying had no choice but to follow her words and said, "My lady, I will not refuse."
As soon as he sat down, Zhu Yuhuan asked, "Could it be that the Grand Eunuch is looking for me about the Jinyiwei case?"
Jin Ying's heart trembled, and he immediately wanted to stand up, but Zhu Yuhuan had already waved his hand at him and said, "No need to stand up and answer."
Jin Ying looked embarrassed and said, "That is indeed my intention."
He asked his trusted adopted son to come forward and bring a box. Although it was not big, it was engraved with auspicious cranes holding plum blossoms in gold and silver, and decorated with various gems. It was obvious at first glance that it was a fine thing from Annan and other places. It was also gilded, making it extremely valuable.
Jin Ying said respectfully, "I have some property in the capital, including a gemstone business back home. Besides that, I also have the deeds to several farmlands."
Xu Gong, the current commander of the Imperial Guard, once commanded the guards of Princess Shunde. With this rapport, he could always ask about the case. Furthermore, Princess Shunde often interacted with the Grand Empress Dowager and must have a good understanding of her thoughts. Contacting Princess Shunde could be considered a win-win situation.
However, he and Princess Shunde only had a nominal relationship, but now he came to ask the princess to act as a matchmaker. Even if he had prepared generous gifts, he could not help but feel unsure about Zhu Yuhuan's intentions.
"There's no need to go to Commander Xu about this matter. The Grand Eunuch should not be thinking about finding out the Empress Dowager's opinion, but how to get out of his position as the Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Household Department alive."
Seeing that the always cheerful Princess Shunde suddenly turned cold, Jin Ying was stunned. She never expected that Zhu Yuhuan would say this.
Zhu Yuhuan didn't care what he was thinking and continued, "The Grand Eunuch has specially prepared a generous gift, so I naturally won't say anything insincere. The Grand Eunuch knows better than me how the Imperial Household Department and the Internal Affairs Department bypassed the female officials to gain their current power. The Grand Eunuch should know better than me who is more important, the Minister of Internal Affairs or the Minister of Internal Affairs. He shouldn't have contacted officials privately, let alone caused a sensation in the city."
As long as this matter has something to do with Jin Ying, Jin Ying will definitely die. After all, Empress Dowager Zhang's methods have always been as still as a mountain and her strikes are always successful.
Jin Ying defended herself, "I was indeed negligent in my duties, but this is not the worst possible offense. I have always been loyal to my country and will compensate these merchants and personally apologize to Old Madam Zhang..." He grew increasingly angry as he spoke, "These censors are attacking me. Who knows if they're being instigated by someone to suppress me?"
Zhu Yuhuan was delighted to hear him say this.
Zhu Yuhuan naturally had a share of the credit for this matter fermenting so quickly. She was sure of the discord between Jin Ying and Wang Zhen, so she stirred up trouble.
Jin Ying's adopted son was startled by Jin Ying's words and quickly whispered, "Dad, the eldest princess is still here..."
Jin Ying finally realized her own misconduct and immediately stood up to apologize, saying, "My humble servant is so rude..."
Under normal circumstances, Jin Ying would not lose her composure in front of others, let alone the fact that the person in front of her was Princess Shunde.
However, Zhu Yuhuan remained calm, and his gaze was as calm as a still pond. Jin Ying suddenly thought of the time when Emperor Taizong was still alive, and his legs almost went weak. Jin Ying could only comfort himself that it was because he was too angry just now.
Seeing that he dared not speak again, Zhu Yuhuan said with a half-smile, "Although the Empress Dowager has the Emperor's will, it is still Your Majesty who sits on the Dragon Throne. In my opinion, the relationship between the Grand Eunuch and Your Majesty is not close, at least not as close as the relationship between Wang Zhen and Your Majesty."
When Jin Ying suddenly heard Wang Zhen's name, he couldn't help showing a bit of disgust on his face, but he quickly realized that Wang Zhen was fanning the flames in order to pull Jin Ying down from the position of the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department.
But Jin Ying had gone through three dynasties and had always been loyal to Empress Dowager Zhang. Zhu Qizhen quickly became familiar with the memorials and petitions, and Jin Ying's contribution was indispensable. Not to mention that Jin Ying would report Zhu Qizhen's learning progress to Empress Dowager Zhang from time to time. Naturally, Empress Dowager Zhang always valued Jin Ying.
In this way, Jin Ying naturally thought that she could pick it up high and put it down gently.
The position of the eunuch in charge of the Secretariat can be called the "internal minister". It is a good thing in terms of face and income. No matter who has worked hard to climb up to this position, they will be reluctant to leave it.
Zhu Yuhuan observed his expression and knew that Jin Ying hadn't really listened. He continued, "Whose relationship is closer, yours or His Majesty's?"
Jin Ying had no more things to think about now. After all, the position of the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department was decided by the emperor. Wang Zhen's plan was nothing more than giving the emperor an excuse and reason. Now he had offended the Empress Dowager, and the two of them might turn their guns against him.
After all, staying alive is what matters, so Jin Ying can only swallow her anger.
Seeing him let out a sigh, Zhu Yuhuan smiled and said, "I heard that the emperor once gave you a piece of farmland, but the big eunuch has been vacant and has no other use..."
Jin Ying understood everything and immediately said, "Your Highness the King of Yue is extremely filial to his mother and well versed in Buddhist principles. I implore Your Highness to inspect and build a Buddhist temple to pray for the Changling, Xianling, and Jingling Mausoleums. However..."
Zhu Yuhuan knew that he still felt unconvinced and said, "Someone has gathered everyone to attack you. The Empress Dowager may have doubts in her heart. The offensive and defensive positions are changing in this matter. What do you think, Grand Eunuch?"
Jin Ying finally understood and bowed, saying, "I accept your kindness, Princess. I am deeply grateful."
Zhu Yuhuan smiled and said, "I dare not accept these generous gifts from you. If you want to repay me, just mention a few more people around me. That will be your way of thanking me."
Jin Ying's eyes were fixed on Huai En next to her. She knew that Zhu Yuhuan wanted her to help Huai En with many connections, and she said repeatedly: "This slave understands! My adopted son is also of this age. It is common sense for them to get along well, and it is only natural for them to help each other."
Jin Ying retired from the position of eunuch in charge of writing, but his network of contacts remained. These eunuchs had no relatives in the palace and could only form cliques by changing their names and recognizing their fathers and sons. If they did not have a "father", it would be extremely difficult to live a comfortable life. They were often excluded and forced to do some hard and tiring work.
Jin Ying had been running the Imperial Household Department for more than a decade and had countless connections. This thing was not something that everyone had, and its value was no less than those property deeds. Zhu Yuhuan did not expect Jin Ying to be truly devoted and hand over all of it, but he could give Huai En a chance to meet a eunuch of status. The master would lead him into the door, but the practice depended on himself.
Zhu Yuhuan only reminded him, "Don't forget to visit your uncle early."
"yes."
Jin Ying took his men away, and before leaving, he did not forget to prescribe some medicine to Xu Wangzhi, and left with several large bags of medicinal materials. He must have been looking for an excuse for himself.
"Your Highness, will Old Lady Zhang really relent?"
Zhu Yuhuan smiled and said, "Grandma loves Third Uncle the most right now. It's the most appropriate place for Jinying to start. Besides, there's always a backup plan."
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